sassyshar

Thanks Skeeter195 for doing the comparison between programs.  I'm sure a lot of CAS players will be exploring other cruise lines and casino options.

Maybe too early to ask this, but will the former perks still be in effect after April 1, if you have already booked your next cruises, ie: free drinks in casino, OBC.    I truly love NCL, but RCL is very transparent in their offers and price point is better, so major decisions to be made.  

Pretty vague announcement that was sent out.   From what I see, they removed the tier Jade, which in turn would change the "points" needed for the other levels.  I am currently Sapphire which was 15,000, but think they may lower that and perhaps even Ruby, which was 35,000.  Either way, the status everyone earned up to  4/1/24, should still be honored until 4/1/25, if its not, I'll be cancelling my 2 scheduled cruises.   I do not get the drink package so I enjoy the "free" drinks in the casino. This is only my opinion.      

I have tried to research this subject on every available site and even called NCL.  I am booked on the JOY for March 2024, and it was suppose to be an angled balcony cabin 10346.  However, during my search it is listed as PrivaSea, and have no clue if this cabin is enclosed or a normal balcony.  NCL rep can only say its a hull balcony.   Any information/picture would be helpful.   Thanks

One of the servers (in casino) suggested I try a watermelon margarita and it was great.  Any idea whats in it or it already pre-mixed?   Thanks 

dbrown84, was told it could not be converted to OBC, that would have been ideal.   

Sand and Seas, I am looking at the certificates now, and under terms and conditions it does not list a book by or use by.    Just that it must be 3 days or longer cruise.   Limit of one can be used, unless during a double up promotion.  Cannot be combined with cruise first or cruise next certificates. Help that helps.    

This is in reference to my previous post #20.   I called today, spoke to a different agent, and the results were so different from what I was told earlier.    I qualified for a spa club balcony, unfortunately, not a spa person, nor did I want to be under the pool deck.   I took a lesser cabin, aft balcony, and using both of my casino next certificates I paid nothing, in fact had $27 left over, that will be forfeited, but the cruise was literally free.    The representative on the phone makes all the difference in the world,  from $2600 last week, to free this week.    Hooray!!!!!!    

Sand and Seas, yes earned 12500 on last cruise alone.  The casino staff was very nice and attentive, probably because they knew I had a marker for $8000.   All I received from the casino for week was one plate of chocolate strawberries, thought that was a little stingy.   At the end did get the certificates and $45 off my bill.   That was all the charges I had.    Since calling them (NCL) this morning called RCL and got a ocean view balcony with 100 in free play for a total price of $146.   Guess I'll be cruising RCL til NCL gets their act together.    I prefer NCL but not $2500 worth.    

My experience with using CASnext this morning.    Just off the Bliss on Saturday, and earned 2 certificates ($250 each)   I called and spoke to Keith at CAS reservations who was absolutely clueless.  My history is that I am sapphire in casino currently and since April 1, 2022 have 22,000 tier points.  That being said my offer from CAS was 20% of a balcony room on the Escape in August.   Thats its!  My cost would have been $2600 +      There is no way.     I'll wait and call back     I am a solo, but the bliss balcony I had last week cost 350 out of pocket.   Have no idea what to think, is it a punishment to have CASnext.     

Just off Symphony last Saturday, and Casino Comp Chick is correct.  The current points needed for Prime is 2500 and for Signature is 25000.    Last year it was 1500 and 15000.  

I know the amount of tipping to the butler and concierge is subjective, but have no idea what is the customary/reasonable amount for a week.   Trying to plan for amount of cash to have on hand.  Can someone offer at each a range?    Thanks

Sthrngary,  congratulations on your anniversary (Cooncat_Mom also congrats on 50 years).  Thank you for posting the links to the amenities onboard the JOY.  Have sailed on her before, but this time we have a Penthouse Suite, but placed a bid for upgrade to Haven.  With all the information you provided I really hope we can score the Haven.   

If I am Prime, but my husband is not, can we both get drinks in the casino (we do not buy the drink package).     Thanks

Sand and Seas, thanks for your advice regarding the reward points.  I sent an email today and we will see what they say.

My question is about the Reward points (the ones that can be used for OBC or Free Play) that you accumulate while gambling on NCL.   The Reward Points can continue to grow if not used for 18 months (its listed in their terms and conditions)  I was booked for an European cruse 10/2020, which was cancelled  and the goal was to use those points for pricey excursions.  Casino hosts and I always chat about the amount I had saved and agreed that using on excursions was a far better bet than using as Free Play.   The amount I had saved from previous cruises was 55441 (I always snap a picture of it).  Does anyone know what happens to that amount?  Thanks.  Really hate to think I lost all of it.   

Forgot to mention in the above post,  that the testing done at the Convention Center accepts insurance and testing is free..

At this time, the Miami Convention Center is doing rapid testing.  The convention center is 5.6 miles from the port. Center is open 7 days a week, with limited hours on Thursdays.   I have read that cruisers from the Ovation used this center without issue (results back in one hour).

Is there no Casino?

Agree with zqvol, take a taxi to the ship to drop off luggage, and continue on for sightseeing.   Taxi fares are at a fixed rate  and are reasonable from airport to port.  Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks for the your review, going on the Escape for the first time and gives me some insight.  

OSheehan's is open on embarkation.   Games can also be watched in the casino (if casino open).  Was on the Dawn last superbowl and now I know the lucky winner of the squares - Bostonfred.

First cruise on RCL, the water/soda that can be brought on board is in addition to the 2 bottles of wine, correct.  thanks

I was also on the October 27th sailing, and found some of the late night activities to be lacking.  Karaoke was a joke, not sure what they were thinking.   People would sign up and instead of everyone getting at least one turn, they would have some singers perform 4 songs in a row, yes others were signed in.   DJ was useless and not entertaining.  Its a shame that on this big ship the only place to have a "dance class" is in the atrium.  At times the dancers were just stepping on each other and couldn't see the instructor.   I wasn't one of the dancers just making an observation.  None of these fine points, would make me not cruise, just question some the NCL staff decisions.   Also, having the Meet and Greet in such a small venue certainly wasn't ideal.

Regarding the Q, if you are on the dining plan, you are entitled to 2 starters, 1 entree, 2 sides and 1 dessert.  It was the most food I've seen served in any restaurant.    About the towel system, you can check them out by the pool, but per guest services, you can leave them in your room upon disembarkation.   

Four of us did the American Diner last week.   I had OBC so did not use it as part of the dining plan.   The four of us shared a nacho - did not really care for it, the "goodies" were all dumped in one section and the little bit of chili that was on it made it very soggy, we didn't finish it.    The cheese sticks were good.    Lobster roll was different than the Ocean Blue window on other ships, this one wasn't  really a lobster salad, but rather pieces of whole lobster and the sauce on top is spicy.  I was warned it was a little spicy, but I would say it was medium spicy.   Good but other ships excellent, all a matter of taste.   Two people got the Fried Chicken, wow, what a huge platter of food.  Everything on the plate was excellent and worth the $9, three pieces of juicy fried chicken.